Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of nootropic agents and cognitive enhancers. Its structure supports the formation of pyrrolidone-based derivatives that exhibit neuroprotective and memory-improving properties. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex heterocyclic systems, it enables efficient derivatization in drug discovery programs targeting central nervous system disorders. Also utilized in research settings to prepare analogs for structure-activity relationship studies.